Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has apologised to two women for the “horrendous” abuse they endured in Oranga Tamariki care, as she seeks advice about major changes to how the agency is funded.

Trinity Green, 21, and Karah Mackie, 25, told the Herald on Tuesday they’d lost confidence in the agency.

Both said they were physically and sexually abused while in care as children and they wanted Oranga Tamariki stripped of its responsibilities.

“Divesting resources from Oranga Tamariki into iwi or hapu or community-led services that actively support and enhance the lives of our young people,” Mackie said.

Under questioning from Labour’s Willow-Jean Prime in the House, Chhour apologised for what they’d endured.

“We have taken learnings from what has happened in the past and we have put processes in place to make sure that those horrendous acts that have happened in the past do not continue.”

The Herald revealed on Tuesday Oranga Tamariki had “bold plans” to relinquish “at least” half of its funding with the agency shifting into a “support and coordination” role.

Oranga Tamariki chief social worker Nicolette Dickson said the plan would see Treaty and community partners provide care and prevention services. She said that would involve “at least 50% of funding being managed by partners”.

Chhour supported the move.

“I’ve been a champion of the need for Oranga Tamariki to devolve funding and the provision of care and protection services to the wider community for years,” she said.

She was seeking more information about which groups would be funded.

“I have also asked my Oranga Tamariki Ministerial Advisory Board to take a closer look at where and how we could get funding closer to communities, and their children.”

FAMILY VIOLENCE 

How to get help: 
If you're in danger now: 
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you. 
• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you. 
• Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else. 
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.

Where to go for help or more information: 
• Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7) 
• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7) 
• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450 
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children. 
• Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7) 
• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence 
• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services 
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women.

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